UPSC Prelims 2004 Q78: Indian Economy – Agriculture & Rural Development
Consider the following statements:
India continues to be dependent on imports to meet the requirement of oilseeds in the country
because
1. Farmers prefer to grow food grains with highly remunerative support prices.
2. Most of the cultivation of oil - seed crops continues to be dependent on rainfall.
3. Oils from the seeds of tree origin and rice bran have remained unexploited.
4. It is far cheaper to import oil seeds than to cultivate the oil - seed crops.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 1, 2 and 3
- (c) 3 and 4
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Why India depends on imports of oilseeds
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Farmers prefer food grains with remunerative support prices | True |
| 2. Oilseed cultivation depends on rainfall | True — mostly rainfed |
| 3. Oils from tree-borne seeds and rice bran are unexploited | True |
| 4. It is far cheaper to import oilseeds than to grow them | False: the dependence is on imports of edible oils, and cheap imports are not the cause |
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct reasons for the shortfall in oilseed production.
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also a valid reason.
- (b) CORRECT. Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 4 is not a valid cause and statement 1 is valid.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 4 is not correct.
Key point
Oilseeds: rainfed, low yield; tree-borne oils and rice bran oil are underused.
Remember
Oilseed production lags because it is rainfed and grains pay better.
Common mistakes
- Taking cheap imports as the cause instead of an effect.
- Ignoring the role of MSP on grains.
- Forgetting that most oilseed farming is rainfed.
Exam tip
Yellow Revolution, Technology Mission on Oilseeds (1986).
Sources
- Ministry of Agriculture — oilseeds policy
- Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India — Technology Mission on Oilseeds and Pulses